Cooking vessel and lid with integrated strainer

ABSTRACT

The invention pertains to a cooking vessel and lid with integrated strainer. The cooking vessel has a spout and at least one handle. The lid has an edging where a part of the edging has holes to form a strainer. The lid also has a handle. When the handles of the cooking vessel and the lid overlap, the strainer in the lid edging is positioned in front of the spout and water can be poured from the cooking vessel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general, on the one hand, to a cooking vessel or a set of cooking vessels and, on the other hand, to a cover or lid-adapted arrangement co-ordinable therewith.

The set of cooking vessels is more specifically intended to be able to offer a lighter cooking vessel set, usable in a kitchen environment, and specifically adapted for and intended to be able to be manoeuvred to different setting positions by the utilisation of a grip-friendly handle and/or handles.

One such set of cooking vessels discloses the utilisation of two separate and discrete units, which are nevertheless readily co-ordinable and readily separable to and from one another, where:

-   -   a. a first unit, in the form of a cooking vessel, provided with         an upper open portion, a saucepan or the like, is adapted to be         able to enclose a selected fluid volume; and     -   b. a second unit, in the form of a lid or a cover or lid-adapted         arrangement, co-operable with said first unit provided with the         upper open portion, is adapted, with a peripheral rim portion or         an edge, to be able to cooperate with said upper open portion         that this second unit will, in a plane disposed for the unit, to         be able to be rotatably related to said first unit or vice         versa, in order to be able to assume mutually different setting         positions.

More specifically, the present invention relates to such sets of cooking vessels, where said first unit is provided with, in any event, one handle, with a handle-related first part portion, secured to the outside of said first unit, and a second part portion, adapted as a portion intended for a manually gripping, laterally oriented to said first unit, and where said second unit is provided with, in any event, one handle with a handle-related first part portion, secured to the outside of said second unit, and a second part portion, adapted as a portion adapted for manually gripping, laterally oriented said second unit.

More specifically, this is a matter of causing the upper open portion of said first unit to be given a depression, recess or the like, formed as a lip, in order thereby to be able to facilitate a guided passage of the volume enclosed in the first unit and adapted as a fluid, on a rotation or tilting of the first unit and its upper open portion with an associated applied second unit via its handle from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position.

Said second unit is to be provided with a circumferential or surrounding rim portion or an edge with, in any event, one recess, allocated to said rim portion within a rim part or part section thereof defined by said rim portion.

Said second unit, with its allocated rim portion, is displaceably or rotatably related to said first unit and its upper open portion to and from such a position where the handle of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle of the first unit, while said recess, allocated to the second unit, assumes a “registered” position with said depression or the like allocated to the first unit.

The present invention also encompasses a cover, a lid or a lid-adapted arrangement, such as an arrangement applicable in different sets of cooking vessels, which is to consist of a transparent upper portion and a rim portion surrounding the upper portion, where this rim portion is adapted readily to be coordinable and readily separable to be able to be coordinated with an upper open portion of the first unit, in the form of a saucepan, a cook's pan, a frying pan or the like.

In the following description, definitions will be given of:

-   -   a. a heating position, as a position where the first unit with         an applied second unit assumes a mutually coordinated position         and where the first unit rests on a heat source and where the         handle of the first unit and the handle of the second unit         assume a mutually angled position so as to ensure that a recess         and a depression are oriented out of a mutually “registered”         position,     -   b. an emptying or draining position, as a setting position an at         angle from the heating position, but that the first unit with an         applied second unit assumes a mutually coordinated position and         where the handle of the first unit and the handle of the second         unit assume a mutually coordinated position, in order to ensure         that the recess and the depression are oriented in a         “registered” position in order, in this setting position, to be         able to separate and drain the fluid contents from more solid         parts or substances,     -   c. a cooking position, such as a position where the first unit         with an applied second unit assumes a mutually coordinated         position and where the first unit rests on a heat source and         where the handle of the first unit and the handle of the second         unit assume a mutually angled position in order to ensure that a         recess and a depression are oriented out of a mutually         “registered” position and where the fluid content is covered by         the second unit and where said second unit is, by a formed inner         steam pressure, adapted to raise itself in relation to the upper         open portion of the first unit and permit a generated steam flow         to pass through a thus exposed or opened recess which, in such         instance, to some degree extends over the edge of the open         portion or the rim portion.

The first unit and the second unit may advantageously display a circular cross-section.

The present invention further builds on the feature that a disclosed depression, or opposing depressions, is to be oriented in or about 90° with the extent of a handle, in order, during a slanting or tilting of the first unit and the second unit, to pour out a part of the fluid content.

A cooking vessel set of the type under consideration here will have an adapted field of use for both right-handed and left-handed users, in particular when exposing opposing depressions.

BACKGROUND ART

Methods, arrangements and constructions relating to the above disclosed technical field and nature are previously known in the art in a plurality of different embodiments.

The present invention may be considered to be a direct further development of the cooking vessel set, which is illustrated and described in greater detail in a Patent Publication U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,017-A.

The contents of Patent Publication U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,017-A, its function and nature will be presented in greater detail herein below in association with appended FIG. 1.

Said Patent Publication discloses the utilisation of two separate, but mutually readily coordinable and readily separable units, where:

-   -   a. a first unit, in the form of a saucepan or the like, provided         with an upper open portion, is adapted to be able to enclose a         selected fluid volume and,     -   b. a second unit, in the form of a cover or lid or a lid-adapted         arrangement co-operable with said first unit allocated the upper         open portion, is adapted, with a peripheral rim portion or an         edge to cooperate with said upper open portion such that this         second unit is, in a plane allocated to the unit, rotatably         related to said first unit or vice versa.

More specifically, the present invention relates to such a set of cooking vessels where said first unit is provided with, in any event, one handle, with a handle-related first part portion, secured to the outside of said first unit, and a second part portion, adapted as grip-friendly and/or -adapted portion adapted for a manual gripping, laterally oriented to said first unit oriented, and where said second unit is provided with, in any event, one handle with a handle-related first part portion, secured to the outside of said second unit and second part portion, adapted as a grip-adapted portion adapted for manual gripping and laterally related to said second unit oriented.

The upper open portion of said first unit is to be provided with a depression or the like, formed as a lip, in order thereby to facilitate a controlled passage of the volume, enclosed in the first unit and adapted as a fluid, on a rotation or tilting of the first unit and its upper open portion with associated applied second unit via its handle, from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position.

Said second unit is to be given a circumferential or surrounding rim portion with, in any event, one recess allocated to said rim portion within a defined rim part or partial section thereof.

Said second unit, with its allocated rim portion, is displaceably or rotatably related to said first unit and its upper open portion to and from such a position where the handle of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle of the first unit, while said recess allocated to the second unit assumes a “registered” position with said depression or the like allocated to the first unit.

Considering the present invention, as structured above, in the form of a lid-adapted arrangement, it might be mentioned that it is previously known to cover an upper open portion of a first unit with a lid, which in the form of a single unit is formed from a metal material or a single glass material, for instance from a toughened glass material.

Various lid-adapted arrangements have also been proposed in the art which are usable in different cooking vessel sets and which consist of a transparent upper portion and a rim portion surrounding the upper portion, where this rim portion is adapted in order readily coordinably and readily separably to be able to be coordinated with an upper open portion of the first unit, in the form of a saucepan, a cook's pan, a frying-pan or the like.

Further prior art technology related to this technical field and to which the present invention relates is illustrated and described int. al. in the following Patent Publications: U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,045-A, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,881-A and U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,418-A.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Technical Problem

Taking into account the circumstance that the technical considerations which a person skilled in the relevant technical field must do in order to be able to offer a solution to one or more set technical problems is, on the one hand, initially a necessary insight into the measures and/or the sequence of measures to be implemented and on the other hand a necessary selection of the means required, in view hereof the following technical problems are likely to be relevant in the evolution of the subject matter of the present invention.

Taking into account the state of the art, as it appears by way of introduction and in the generally available patent publications, and which are defined more closely in the preamble to appended Claim 1, it is likely to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a second part portion, allocated to a second unit, to be adapted as a grip-friendly and/or -adapted portion and intended for a manual gripping, in order in a mutually coordinated or “registered” position of rotation, where one or more recesses assume a “registered” position with one or more depressions, to cause the grip-adapted second part portion of the first unit to assume a tight and grip-friendly cooperating position with the grip-adapted second part portion of the second unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the second part portions to be given coordinated lengths which approximate to one another or in any event substantially directly approximate to one another.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a grip-adapted second portion, allocated to the first unit, to be given a first surface section and adapted to be able to cooperate with and/or tightly connect in grip-friendly fashion to a second surface section, allocated the second unit, and allocated a grip-adapted second portion in order to cause both of said second portions, in such a coordinated position, to form together a grip-friendly and grip-adapted handle, where an applied gripping force, active from one hand, is to be adapted, by friction, to bring together parts of said surface sections to one another.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle-related first part portion of the second unit to be provided with a mechanical reinforcement at its anchorage via a rim portion to the second unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the reinforcement of said handle-related first part portion principally to be provided at the upper part of said first part portion of the second unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said first surface section and said second surface section to be disposed at an angle of between 5 and 15°, for instance 6 to 10°, directed upwards, in relation to a virtual plane, oriented within the upper open portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said grip-adapted portions to display a thermally insulating section, such as a silicon section.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a recess, provided at the second unit, and a depression, provided at the first unit, to be doubled and directly opposing, or in any event substantially directly opposingly oriented, for instance diametrically or in any event substantially diametrically oriented.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause an upper support portion, provided at the first unit, to be adapted to tightly support a circumferential first rim portion allocated to the second unit within a rim part or an edge.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a second rim portion, allocated the second unit, to be adapted to extend a distance into said first unit and through said open portion, to be disposed in order there to form a narrow gap “sealing” steam under pressure, between said second rim portion and the inner surface portion of said first unit, located adjacent said open portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a cross sectional area, formed between a free edge allocated to said second rim portion and an edge oriented adjacent the first portion, to be adapted so as slightly to exceed the cross sectional area allocated to the open portion in order to positively guide and displace the second part within the open portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said recess or recesses to be allocated said second rim portion and leave a part of the rim portion without configurationally change adjacent its free edge, where this portion is adapted for an orientation under said depression for a sealing, via a narrow “sealing” gap, against an inner surface section of said first unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the rim portion, allocated to said second unit, to be formed as two rim parts, coordinated with one another, in cross section formed to a right, or substantially right, angle, where an inner rim part is formed with said recess (recesses) and where an outer rim part is formed with a support edge adapted for supporting against the upper open portion allocated to the first unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said recess, allocated to the second unit, to be formed exclusively within and surrounded by said inner part portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first unit and the second unit to be given each a corresponding circular cross section.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a centrally oriented planar portion allocated the second unit, in the form of a glass portion, to be secured in or tensioned in between said two rim parts.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said recess, within said second unit and an inner part allocated to the unit, to be formed as a sieve structure.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle allocated to the first unit and the handle allocated to the second unit to be provided with the same lengths and/or outwardly converging, exposing corresponding forms adapted for one hand grip.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle provided or allocated to the first unit and the handle provided or allocated to the second unit to display mutually tightly faceable planar, or substantially planar, surface sections given equal surface extent.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a length, allocated to the recess, along an edge portion of the inner rim part, and a length allocated to the formed depression, along the first unit, allocated to the upper open portion, to be adapted to be equal.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said handles, allocated the first unit and the second unit, to be provided with a portion formed at a slight angle and grip-adapted and grip-friendly.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause a first handle-related first part portion for a first handle and a second handle-related first part portion for a second handle to be opposingly oriented to said first and said second unit, respectively.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to case an opposed orientation of handles to be selected so as to follow the orientation of a chord, allocated a circle line selected to an arcuate dimension of between 160° and 140°.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first and second part portions of the first unit to display an outwardly directed converging configuration, with a convergence of between (1-3):30, for instance 1:20.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first and second part portions of the second unit to display an outwardly directed converging form, with a convergence of between (1-3):30, for instance about 1:20.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first part portion of the first unit to display a subjacent reinforcement.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the transition of the first unit, between its reinforcement and its second part portion, and the transition of the second unit, between its reinforcement and its second part portion, to display a thickness relationship of between (2.5-1.5):1, for instance preferably 2:1.

Taking into consideration the state of the art as regards cover or lid-adapted arrangements, as described above, it is likely to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to make for the formation of such a lid-adapted arrangement from a few, easily producible and easily assemblable parts from separate materials.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to form said rim portions as two, mutually coordinable, angle-formed rim parts in cross section at a right, or in any event substantially a right angle, with an inner rim part and an outer rim part, integrally formed or joint together to one another.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the formation of virtual or real counter-directed surface extents, for the inner rim part and the outer rim part, so that these will be adapted so as to support a transparent upper portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the formation of the counter-directed surface extent of the inner rim part as a specifically formed retainer device for said transparent upper portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to make for the formation of the counter-directed surface extent of the outer rim part and the counter-directed surface extent of the inner rim part so that they form said retainer device as a rim part allocated groove, adapted to cooperate with and support a peripheral edge portion allocated the transparent upper portion.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to make for the formation of the inner rim part with an associated, downwardly directed, section, in order in such instance to display, in association with its edge extent, one or more recesses with a sieve structure.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to make for the formation of a downwardly directed section of the outer rim portion so that it displays an edge extent servable as a support edge against an upper open portion allocated the first unit.

Taking into consideration the state of the art as this appears in the Patent Publications disclosed by way of introduction and which will be more closely defined within the preamble of the appended Claim 1, it is likely to be seen as a technical problem to be able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause said handle, allocated the first part or unit, and/or said handle, allocated the second part or unit, to be formed as a wire section, bent from and in one piece with a first part portion, via first outwardly flexed part sections of the wire section, to be secured to the outside of said first unit and/or said second unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle, allocated the first unit, and/or the handle, allocated the second unit, to be formed as two second equally long part portions of the bent wire section diverging in towards the first and/or the second unit.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the two diverging second part portions, for each one of the first and the second unit, to be formed as a grip-adapted portion and pair wise oriented in one plane.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the parts of the wire section, of the two diverging part portions, facing from the first unit and/or the second unit to be coordinated via a third part portion, bent under an angle of 180°.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the third part portion of the handle of the first unit and the third part portion of the handle of the second unit to be disposed, in a coordinated position, to be oriented close to one another or “spotwise” to abut against one another.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the diverging second part portions to be dimensioned in order, under the action of the force of one hand, to be able resiliently (but extremely slight resilient distance) to flex somewhat towards one another.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the part sections of the first part portion for the first unit and its handle to be angled at right angles to said plane.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the part sections of the first part portion of the second unit and its handle to be angled in said plane.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the two second part portions diverging towards the first and/or the second unit to be given a divergence angle of less than 25° and greater than 2°, for instance about 3° or 15° depending upon the application, a saucepan or a casserole.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle of the first part and the handle of the second part to be given a mutual divergence angle of less than 8° and greater than 2°, for instance about 4° in a saucepan application.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the bent wire section to consist of a metal wire of a circular cross section, with a diameter falling within the order of magnitude of 5-10 mm, for instance approx. 7 mm.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the handle of the second unit, in a saucepan application, to be oriented so as to extend obliquely upwards from an upper plane, allocated to the second part, within an angle of above 160°, for instance about 170°-180°.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first unit and the second unit to be adapted in order, in cooperation, to form a saucepan or a casserole with associated lid or lid-adapted arrangement.

There resides a technical problem in being able to realise the importance of, the advantages associated with and/or the technical measures and considerations which will be required in order to cause the first unit and the second unit to be adapted in order, in cooperation, to form a casserole, with opposing two handles for the casserole and two correspondingly oriented handles for the lid.

Solution

In such instance, the present invention takes as its point of departure or development the prior art as disclosed by way of introduction and builds on a cooking vessel or a set of cooking vessels.

As regards the cooking vessel set, the present invention builds on such a set which displays the utilisation of two separate, but readily mutually coordinable and readily separable, units, where:

-   -   a. a first unit, in the form of a cooking vessel allocated with         an upper open portion, such as a saucepan or the like, is         adapted to be able to enclose a selected fluid volume, and     -   b. a second unit, in the form of a cover or lid or lid-adapted         arrangement cooperable with an upper open portion allocated the         first unit, is adapted in order, with a peripheral rim portion         or an edge, to cooperate with said upper open portion so that         this second unit is, in a plane allocated to the unit,         displaceably or rotatably related to said first unit or vice         versa.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a cooking vessel set where said first unit is provided with, in any event, one handle, with a handle-related first part portion, secured to the outside of said first unit, and a second part portion, adapted as a grip-adapted and grip-friendly portion, adapted for one hand grip, laterally oriented said first unit, and where said second unit is provided with, in any event, one handle, with a handle-related first part portion secured to the outside of said second unit and a second part portion, adapted as grip-adapted portion for one hand grip, laterally related said second unit.

The upper open portion of said first unit is to be given a depression or the like, formed as a lip, in order thereby to make for facilitating of a controlled passage of the volume enclosed in the first unit and adapted as a fluid, on a rotation or tilting of the first unit and its upper open portion with associated applied second unit via its handle from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position.

Said second unit is then to be provided with a circumferential or surrounding rim portion with, in any event, one recess, allocated said rim portion within a defined rim part or part section thereof.

Said second unit, with its allocated rim portion, is here to be displaceably or rotatably related to said first unit and its upper open portion to and from such a position that the handle of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle of the first unit, while said recess allocated the second unit assumes a “registered” position with said depression or the like allocated the first unit.

In order to be able to resolve one or more of the above disclosed technical problems, it is more specifically disclosed that said second part portion, allocated the second unit, is to be adapted as a grip-adapted and grip-friendly portion intended for one hand grip, that, in a mutually coordinated position of rotation, where said recess assumes a “registered” position with said depression, the grip-adapted and grip-friendly second part portion of the first unit assumes a position cooperating with the grip-adapted and grip-friendly second part portion of the second unit, that said second part portions are given coordinated lengths, which approximate, or in any event substantially approximate, one another.

A first surface section allocated the grip-adapted and grip-friendly second portion allocated the first unit is adapted to cooperate with and/or tightly connect to a second surface section allocated the grip-adapted and grip-friendly second portion, allocated the second unit, and that both of said second portions, in a coordinated position, are together to form a grip-friendly handle, where an applied gripping force is adapted to be able to bring together said surface sections towards one another.

Further the present invention discloses that the handle-related first part portion of the second unit, at its anchorage to the second unit, is to be provided with reinforcement.

Said reinforcement is disposed at the upper region of said first part portion.

Said first surface section and said second surface section should be given an angular value of between 5 and 15°, for instance 6 to 10°, upwards, in relation to a plane oriented within the upper open portion.

Said grip-adapted portions should display a thermal insulating section, such as a silicon section.

More specifically, the present invention discloses that said recess, allocated the second unit, and said depression, allocated said first unit, are to be doubled and directly opposing, or in any event substantially directly opposing, oriented, for instance diametrically or in any event substantially diametrically oriented.

In particular it is disclosed that an upper support portion allocated the first unit is to be adapted to tightly be able to support a surrounding first rim portion, allocated the second unit, within a rim section.

A second rim portion, allocated the second unit, is disposed and adapted to extend a distance into said first unit and through said open portion and is in such instance disposed to form a narrow gap, between said second rim portion and an inner surface section of said first unit, located adjacent said open portion.

A cross sectional area, formed between a free edge, allocated said second rim portion, and an edge oriented adjacent the first portion, should be adapted to slightly exceed a cross sectional area allocated the open portion.

Said recess or recesses are to be allocated said second rim portion and leave a part of the rim portion without configurational change adjacent its free edge, where this part is adapted for an orientation under said depression for a sealing, via a narrow gap, against an inner surface section of said first unit.

Said rim portion, allocated said second unit, should be formed as two, mutually coordinated rim portions formed in cross section to a right, or substantially right, angle where the inner rim portion is formed with said recess (recesses) and where an outer rim portion may be formed with a support edge, adapted for supporting against the upper open portion allocated the first unit.

The rim portion with its outer rim part is allocated a peripheral extent for said upper surface portion, allocated the rim portion, in relation to the surface extent of the second unit falling within a ratio of 0.1 to 0.4.

Said recess allocated the second unit is to be formed exclusively within and surrounded by said inner part portion.

The first unit and the second unit are advantageously each given a corresponding circular cross section.

A selected distance, between the upper surface of the rim portion and the outer rim part and a lower edge extent of the inner rim part, is adapted to be related at a value of between 0.1 and 0.2, for instance about 0.15, to the outer diameter given to the outer rim portion.

A centrally oriented, planar portion, allocated the second unit, in the form of a glass portion, is secured or tensioned in between said two rim parts.

It is specifically disclosed that said recess, within said second unit, and an inner part allocated to the unit are to be formed as a sieve structure.

The handle, allocated the first unit, and the handle, allocated the second unit, are proposed to be given the same lengths and/or outward converging corresponding forms adapted for one hand grip.

The handle allocated or provided for the first unit and the handle allocated or provided for the second unit are to display mutually tightly faceable planar, or substantially planar, surface section allocated with equal surface extents.

A length allocated to the recess, along an edge portion of the inner rim part, and a length, formed as a lip and allocated the depression along the upper open portion allocated the first unit should be adapted equally.

Said handles, allocated the first unit and the second unit are given a grip-friendly and grip-adapted portion formed at a slight angle.

A first handle-related first part portion, for a first handle, and a second handle-related first part portion, for a second handle, can be opposingly oriented to said first and said second units, respectively.

The opposed orientation of the handles is selected to approximate the orientation of a chord, allocated a circle line, selected with an arcuate dimension between 160° and 140°.

More specifically it is disclosed that the first and second part portions of the first unit are to display an outwardly directed converging form, with a convergence of between (1-3):30, for instance about 1:20.

The first and second part portions of the second unit are to display an outwardly directed converging configuration, with a converging of between (1-3):30, for instance about 1:20.

The first part portion of the first unit is also to display a subjacent reinforcement.

The transition of the first unit, between its reinforcement and this second part portion, and the transition of the second unit, between its reinforcement and its second part portion is to display a thickness ratio of between (2.5-1.5):1, such as for instance 2:1 and where its free ends also display the same ratio.

As regards the lid-adapted arrangement, the present invention is based on an arrangement which is usable in a first unit, such as different cooking or frying vessel sets, and a second unit which consists of a transparent upper portion and a rim portion surrounding the upper portion, said rim portion being adapted to readily coordinably and readily separably be able to cooperate with an upper open portion of the first unit.

In such instance it is proposed that said rim portion be formed as two, mutually cooperable, rim portions formed in cross section as a right, or in any event substantially a right, angle, with an inner rim portion and an outer rim portion combined with one another, and that counter-directed surface extents, of the inner rim portion and the outer rim portion are to be adapted so as to support said transparent upper portion.

As proposed embodiments, it is disclosed that the counter-directed surface extent of the inner rim portion be formed as a holder device for said transparent upper portion.

It is further disclosed that the counter-directed surface extent of the outer rim portion and the counter-directed surface extent of the inner rim portion are coordinated to form a groove allocated to the rim portion, adapted to cooperate with and support the transparent upper portion via a peripheral edge portion allocated to the upper portion.

The downwardly directed portion of the inner rim portion is then to display, in association with its edge extent, one or more recesses, ideally with a sieve structure.

It is further disclosed that the downwardly directed section of the outer rim portion is to display an edge extent, servable as a support edge against an upper open portion allocated to the first unit.

More specifically it is disclosed that the transparent upper portion is to be formed from a toughened glass material and that in any event one of the two rim portions is to be formed from a stainless steel material or the like.

Said recesses are further to be dimensioned so as to be able to “register” directly with a lip-shaped depression, located within the upper open portion of the first unit.

As one alternative to the above described embodiment it is moreover disclosed in order to solve one or more of the above-disclosed technical problems, more specifically that a handle, allocated the first unit, and/or a handle, allocated the second unit, is formed as a wire section bent in one piece, with its first part portion, via first outwardly flexed or directed part sections of the wire section, is secured to the outside of said first unit and/or said second unit.

As proposed embodiments, falling within the scope of the present invention, it is disclosed that the handle, allocated to the first unit, and/or the handle, allocated to the second unit, is to be formed as two diverging second part portions of the bent wire section, diverging to the first and/or the second unit.

The two diverging second part portions are to be formed as a grip-adapted portion and oriented in one and the same plane.

The part section of the wire section of the two diverging part portions facing away from the first unit and/or the second unit are to be coordinated via a third part portion bent to under an angle of 180°.

The third part portion of the handle of the first unit (1) and the third part portion of the handle of the second unit are, in a position adapted for heating and/or for emptying of the contents, to be disposed, in such a coordinated position, to be oriented proximal one another or spotwise to abut against one another.

The diverging second part portions are dimensioned to be able to flex slightly towards one another resiliently under the action of the force of one hand.

The part section of the first part portion for the first unit is angled at right angles to said plane, while the part section of the first part portion for the second unit is angled in said plane.

The two diverging second part portions are given a divergence angle of less than 25° and greater than 2°, for instance about 3° or 15°.

The handle of the first unit and the handle of the second unit are mutually to be given a divergence angle of less than 8° and greater than 2°, for instance about 4° in a saucepan application.

The bent wire section consists of a metal wire, in cross section of circular formation, with a diameter of 5-10 mm, for instance approx. 7 mm.

The handle of the second part in a saucepan application is oriented to extend obliquely upwards, from a plane allocated to the second unit, within an angle of over 160°, for instance about 170°-180°.

The first unit and the second unit are both adapted to form in cooperation a saucepan with lid each with its handle.

The first unit and the second unit are both adapted to form in cooperation a casserole each with its pair wise handle.

Advantages

Those advantages which may principally be deemed to be characteristic of the present invention and the special significative characterising features disclosed thereby are that there have hereby been created the preconditions, in a cooking vessel or a cooking vessel set and a cover or a lid or lid-adapted arrangement coordinated thereto to create the preconditions for a rapid and efficient production of the individual parts and in such instance offer that the thus produced parts can cooperate with one another via inner and outer rim portions.

More specifically it is disclosed that grip-adapted and grip-friendly handles, one fixed to the first unit and one fixed to the second unit, are to be adapted in order separately to be able to manoeuvre the one unit or the other unit and when these units' handles assume a coordinated or “registered” position there is formed a single grip-adapted and grip-friendly position in order via such a handle to facilitate an emptying of the viscous or aqueous contents of the first unit and with a restricted steam emission, substantially to areas in front of the coordinated handles and their position.

In an emptying or draining position, for such a cooking vessel set, boiling water will pass a first coordination of a recess and a depression while steam rests within the first unit, since the water drainage can form an air current into the first unit via an opposing coordination of a recess and a depression.

That which principally may be deemed to be characteristic of the present invention is disclosed in the characterising clause of appended Claim 1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The prior art, according to the US Patent Specification mentioned by way of introduction, and a number of currently proposed embodiments, displaying the significative characterising features associated with the present invention will now be described in greater detail hereinbelow for purposes of exemplification with a reference to the accompanying Drawing, where:

FIG. 1 shows FIG. 1 in the U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,017, disclosed by way of introduction,

FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective view, a first embodiment of a cooking vessel set with handle, utilising two separate, mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, a first, formed as a saucepan, unit and a second, formed as a cover or lid or lid-adapted arrangement, unit and where the cooking vessel set is illustrated in a setting position adapted for an emptying or just draining, an emptying or draining position alternatively a cooking position, with coordinated handles oriented in parallel,

FIG. 3 shows, similarly in perspective view, the set, according to FIG. 2, in a setting position adapted for heating up of a liquid adapted volume, a heating up position, with the two handles slightly laterally offset for a sealing of a recess, allocated the second unit, via a side portion of the first unit,

FIG. 4 shows in cross section, a construction for a coordination between said first unit and said second unit, where said coordination takes place between the upper open portion of the first unit and the rim portion of the second unit with its rim parts and where allocated selected construction details have been clarified in order to illustrate the features associated the lid-adapted arrangement of the invention,

FIG. 5 illustrates, in perspective view, a second embodiment, with opposing pair wise handles, for a cooking vessel set usable in a kitchen environment, utilising two separate, mutually readily coordinable and readily separable units, a first, formed as a saucepan, unit and a second, formed as a lid, unit and where the set is illustrated in a setting position adapted for a draining, an emptying or draining position, alternatively a boiling position, with coordinated diametrically oriented handles,

FIG. 6 shows, similarly in perspective view, the set according to FIG. 5, in a setting position adapted for a heating up of a liquid-adapted volume, with the handles slightly laterally offset,

FIG. 7 illustrates, in top plan view, the cooking vessel set in a setting position according to FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 illustrates exclusively in side elevation, with certain parts magnified, a third embodiment of a cooking vessel set, with a lid arrangement with only one handle, according to FIGS. 2 and 3,

FIG. 9 shows, in perspective view, a first embodiment of a cooking vessel set formed as a saucepan with two handles, utilising two separate, mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, a first, formed as a saucepan, unit and a second, formed as a lid or a lid-adapted arrangement, unit and where the cooking vessel set is illustrated in a setting position adapted for an emptying or only draining,

FIG. 10 shows, similarly in perspective view, the set according to FIG. 9, in a setting position adapted for a heating up of a liquid-adapted volume, a heating up position, with the two handles slightly laterally offset for a sealing of a recess, allocated the second unit, via a side portion of the first unit,

FIG. 11 illustrates, in perspective view, a second embodiment, with opposing pair wise handles, for a cooking vessel set usable in a kitchen environment in the form of a casserole application, utilising two separate, mutually readily coordinable and readily separable units, a first, formed as a casserole, unit and a second, formed as a lid, unit and where the set is illustrated in a setting position adapted for a drainage, an emptying or drainage position, with coordinated diametrically oriented handles,

FIG. 12 illustrates, in side elevation, a handle orientation for a saucepan, in a position with the two handles coordinated,

FIG. 13 illustrates, in perspective view, only the handles according to FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 illustrates, in side elevation, a handle orientation for a casserole, in a united position, where only the handles for one of two pairs are illustrated and

FIG. 15 illustrates, in perspective view, only the handles, according to FIG. 14.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART IN ACCORDANCE WITH THAT ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIBED IN PATENT PUBLICATION U.S. Pat. No. 2,083,017-A.

Thus there is shown in FIG. 1 a side elevation of a cooking vessel set, usable within a kitchen environment, where this cooking vessel set discloses the utilisation of two individual, but mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, where:

-   -   a. a first unit, in the form of a saucepan (e) or the like, is         adapted to be able to enclose a selected fluid, volume while,     -   b. a second unit, in the form of lid (a) cooperable with the         upper open portion allocated to the first unit is formed in one         and the same material,         where said first unit (e) is provided, in any event, with one         handle, with a handle-related first part portion, fixed to the         outside of said first unit (e) and a second part portion,         adapted as a grip-adapted long portion (f), adapted for one hand         grip, laterally oriented said first unit oriented.

Said second unit (a) is provided with, in any event, one handle (b) with a short, more thumb-related first part portion, fixed to the outside of said second unit (a) and a second short part portion, adapted as a portion laterally oriented said second unit oriented, intended for a rotation of the second unit.

The upper open portion of said first unit (e) is given a depression, formed as a lip (d), in order thereby to make for facilitating a controlled passage of the liquid-adapted volume enclosed in the first unit, on a rotation of the first unit (e) and its upper open portion with an associated applied second unit (a) via their handles (f, b).

Said second unit (a) displays a sieve (c) allocated a rim portion and within a defined part section thereof, said second unit (a) with its associated rim portion being rotatably related to said first unit (e) and its upper open portion to such a position that the handle (b) of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle (f) of the first unit, while said sieve (c) allocated the second unit assumes a registered position with said depression or the like.

More specifically, the previously known cooking vessel set here intimates that the handle (b) is provided with means (g) formed to a hook or a catch, with the intention of fixedly being able to cooperate with the central portion of the handle (f) when perforated part or the sieve (c) for the second part (a) is “registered” with the lip (d) of the vessel (e).

The handle (b) has been given a length which only to some degree approximates the length of the handle (f) when these handles are oriented in parallel.

The handles are directed slightly upwards, but separated from one another a distance which corresponds to the vertical length of the means (g).

Description of Currently Proposed Embodiment

By way of introduction, it should be emphasised that in the following description of one currently proposed embodiment, which displays the significative characterising features associated with the present invention and which has been clarified by means of the FIGS. 2 to 8 in the accompanying Drawings, we have selected terms and a special terminology with the intention in such instance principally of clarifying the inventive concept proper.

However, in this context it should be observed that expressions selected here should not be considered as restrictive exclusively to the terms utilised here and selected but it should be understood that every such selected term is to be interpreted so that in addition it will be able to encompass all technical equivalents which function in the same or substantially the same manner, in order thereby to be able to achieve the same or substantially the same intention and/or technical effect.

With reference to accompanying FIGS. 2 to 8, there are thus shown schematically and in detail the basic preconditions for the present invention and where the significative properties or characteristics associated with the present invention have been given concrete form, as a result of the now proposed and subsequently more closely described embodiment.

By way of introduction, one proposed lid-adapted arrangement 10 will be described in greater detail, with direct reference to FIG. 4.

The arrangement 10 is usable in a first unit 1 included in the arrangement “K”, such as different cooking or frying vessel sets, and consists moreover of a second unit 2, with a transparent upper portion 11 and rim portion 12 surrounding the upper portion, said rim portion 12 being adapted to be readily coordinably and readily separably be able to cooperate with an upper open portion 1 a of the first unit 1, where this coordination could be considered as a “light” press fit or a “seal” created for steam under slight excess pressure, in the form of a small gap.

More specifically, said rim portion 12 is formed as two, mutually coordinable, rim portions 12 a, 12 b formed in cross section into a right, or in any event substantially right, angle, an inner first rim portion 12 a and an outer rim portion 12 b, integrated or joint together in a per se known manner with one another.

Counter-directed surface extents 12 a′, 12 b′, for the inner rim portion 12 a and the outer rim portion 12 b are adapted to be able to support said transparent upper portion 11.

The counter-directed surface extent 12 a′ of the inner rim portion 12 a is formed as a holder device 13 for said transparent upper portion 11.

The counter-directed surface extent 12 b′ of the outer rim portion 12 b and the counter-directed surface extent 12 a′ of the inner rim portion 12 a form a rim portion allocated, in inwardly open, groove 14 adapted to cooperate with and support a peripheral edge portion 11 a, allocated to the transparent upper portion 11.

A downwardly directed section 12 c of the inner rim portion 12 a displays, in association with its edge extent 12 c′, one or more recesses 15, with a sieve structure.

A downwardly directed section 12 d of the outer rim portion 12 b displays an edge extent 12 d′, which is servable as a support edge against an upper open portion 1 a allocated to the first unit 1.

More specifically, the transparent upper portion 11 is to be formed from toughened glass material and in any event one of the two rim portions 12 a, 12 b is to be formed from a stainless steel material or similar material.

One or two recesses 15, 15′ are to be dimensioned to be able to register against one or more of each of their associated lip-shaped depression 20 or depressions 20, 20′ within the upper open portion 1 a of the first unit 1, according to FIG. 5.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, there will now be described a cooking vessel set “K” usable within a kitchen environment.

The cooking vessel set “K” usable within the intimated kitchen environment, discloses according to FIGS. 2 to 8, the utilisation of two separate, but nevertheless mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, where:

-   -   a. a first unit 1, in the form of a saucepan or the like, is         adapted to be able to enclose a selected fluid, volume “V”, with         solid components “B” while,     -   b. a second unit 2, in the form of a lid or lid-adapted         arrangement 10, is cooperable with an upper open portion 1 a,         allocated to the first unit 1.

Said first unit 1 is, according to FIG. 3, provided with, in any event one handle 3, with a handle-related first part portion 3 a, fixed to the outside of said first unit 1 and a second part portion 3 b, adapted as a grip-friendly and grip-adapted portion 3 b, adapted for one hand grip, laterally oriented said first unit 1 oriented.

Said second unit 2 is provided with, in any event, one handle 4 with a handle-related first part portion 4 a, fixed to the outside of said second unit 2 and a second part portion 4 b, adapted as a grip-friendly and grip-adapted portion, adapted for one hand grip, laterally oriented said second unit oriented.

The upper open portion 1 a of said first unit 1 is given a depression or the like, formed as lip 20, in order thereby to be able to facilitate a controlled passage of the liquid-adapted volume “V”, enclosed in the first unit via its recess 15 on a rotation about an axis of rotation “k” of the first unit 1 and its upper open portion 1 a with associated applied second unit 2, via its coordinated handles 3, 4 from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position (FIG. 8).

The second unit 2 is allocated a circumferential rim portion 12, with, in any event, one recess 15, allocated said rim portion within a defined part section 112′ thereof, said second unit 2, with its allocated rim portion 12 (112) being displaceable or rotatable in relation to said first unit 1 and its upper open portion 1 a or vice versa, to such a position that the handle 4 of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle 3 of the first unit 1, while said recess 15, 15′, respectively allocated the second unit 2 will assume a “registered” position with said recess 20, 20′, respectively or the like.

The rim portion 12 allocated said second unit 2 is formed as two, mutually coordinated, rim portions 12 a, 12 b formed to a right angle (in FIG. 8 designated 112 a, 112 b), where the inner first rim portion 12 a (112 a) is formed with said recess 15 (recesses) and where an outer second rim portion 12 b (112 b) is formed with a support edge 12 d′ (112 d′), adapted for a support against the upper open portion 1 a allocated the first unit 1, in accordance with the description above in association with the lid-adapted arrangement 10, shown in FIG. 4.

According to the present invention, the rim portion 12, with its outer second rim portion 12 b, is to be given a peripheral extent “A1” for said rim portion 12, allocated the upper surface portion 12 b″, in relation to the surface extent “A2” of the second unit 2 falling within a ratio of 0.1 to 0.4.

It is further disclosed that said recesses 15 and 15′, respectively, allocated the second unit 2, are formed exclusively within said inner first part portion 12 a (112 a).

The first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are each allocated and corresponding circular cross section and with a dimensional adaptation with the result that the second unit 2 must be lifted straight up, for a lacking cooperation with and/or a clamping effect with the open portion 1 a of the first unit 1.

A selected distance “d1”, between the rim portions and the upper surface “A1” of the outer rim portion 12 b (112 b) and a lower edge extent 12 c (12 c′) (112 c) for the inner rim portion 12 a (112 a), is adapted to a value of between 0.1 and 0.2, for instance about 0.15, related to an outer diameter “d2” allocated the outer rim portion 12 b.

A centrally oriented planar portion allocated the second unit 2 in the form of a glass portion 11, is secured between said two rim portions 12 a, 12 b in a jointly formed holder device.

The handle 3, allocated the first unit 1, and the handle 4, allocated the second unit 2, are here provided with the same lengths “L” and/or corresponding and/or identical shapes.

The handle 3 allocated the first unit 1 and the handle 4 allocated the second unit 2 are in a selected adjustment position, according to FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, disposed tightly adjacent one another and in such instance form together a grip-adapted and grip-friendly cross section.

The cross section, length and/or shape of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handle 4 as regards in any event the part portion 4 b is to be dimensioned for its mechanical stresses, the cross section, length and/or shape of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handle 3 as regards in any event the part portion 3 a and the part portion 3 b is to be dimensioned for its mechanical stresses and the coordination of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handle 3, 4 requires a dimensioning for the total mechanical load.

To this end, the cross section of, the length and/or the shape of the coordinated handles 3, 4 (or only 3) should thus be approximated to a more open manual grip and an increased force effect, also from handicapped person or people.

The handle 3 allocated or provided for the first unit 1 and the handle 4 allocated or provided for the second unit 2 therefore display mutually closely faceable, planar or substantially planar surface sections 3 c, 4 c, according to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8.

A length “L1” allocated the recess 15 along an edge portion 12 c of the inner rim portion 12 a and the length “L2” of the depression formed as a lip 20, along the upper open portion 1 a allocated the first unit, are adapted to be equal or in any event substantially equal.

The length “L1” alternatively the length “L2” are selected to preferably encompass an angle interval “a” of between 30° and 50°.

With a reference to the embodiment according to FIGS. 5 to 7 it is illustrated that two handles 31, 32 are provided for the first unit 1 while two handles 41, 42 are provided for the second unit 2 and given a grip-adapted portions 41 b, 42 b, formed to an angle.

More specifically it is disclosed that a first handle-related first part portion 41 a for a first handle 41 and a second handle-related first part portion 42 a for a second handle 42 are opposingly oriented to said first 1 and said second unit 2, respectively.

The opposing orientation is here selected to approximate the orientation of a chord, allocated a circle line, selected with an arcuate dimension “b” between 160° and 140°, according to FIG. 7 in a direction from an illustrated depression 20.

For the handles 31 and 32 belonging to the first part 1 the same preconditions apply as for the handles 41 and 42.

FIG. 8 is intended to illustrate a third embodiment of a cooking vessel equipment.

Here it is also a matter of a cooking vessel set, usable within a kitchen environment, where this cooking vessel set discloses the utilisation of two separate, but mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, where:

-   -   a. a first unit 1, in the form of a, saucepan or the like,         provided with an upper open portion 1 a, is adapted to be able         to enclose a selected fluid, volume “V” and,     -   b. a second unit 2, in the form of a lid or a lid-adapted         arrangement 10 cooperable with the upper open portion 1 a,         allocated to said first unit 1, is adapted with a peripheral rim         portion or an edge to cooperate with said upper open portion 1 a         so that this second unit 2 is, in the plane “P” allocated to the         open portion of the first unit 1, to be rotatably related to         said first unit 1 or vice versa.

A first surface section 3 c allocated the grip-adapted second portion 3 b of the first unit 1 is to be adapted to cooperate with and/or closely connect to a second surface section 4 c allocated the grip-adapted second portion 4 b allocated the second unit 2.

Both of said second portions 3 b, 4 b, in a coordinated position, are together to form a grip-friendly handle, where an applied gripping force is adapted on the one hand to bring together and on the other hand to press said surface sections towards one another via a narrow gap “s”.

Here it is disclosed that the handle-related first part portion 4 a of the second unit 2, in any event at its anchorage to the second unit 2, is given a manifest reinforcement 4 a′, where said reinforcement is disposed at the upper portion of said first part portion.

FIG. 8 now discloses that said first surface section 3 c and said second surface section 4 c are to be given an angle of between 5 and 15°, for instance 6 to 10°, and with the surface sections directed upwards in relation to the virtual plane “P” oriented within the upper open portion 1 a.

Said grip-adapted portions should advantageously display a thermal insulating section, such as silicon section, however not shown.

An upper support portion allocated to the first unit 1, in the form of an upper edge 1 a, is here to be adapted to tightly support a surrounding second rim portion 112 b allocated to the second unit 2, within a rim portion 112. There is nothing to prevent inserting a sealing ring 112 d′ here.

A first rim portion 112 a allocated the second unit 2 adapted to extend a distance in to said first unit 1 and through said open portion 1 a is disposed to form there a narrow gap “S”, between said first rim portion 112 a and an inner surface section of said first unit 1, located adjacent said open portion 1 a.

The gap “S” is here to be given an opening of 1 to 2 mm in order to form a “seal” against rising steam, so that steam primarily will pass through the recesses 15 and 15′, respectively via the depressions 20 and 20′, respectively.

A cross sectional area, formed between a free edge 112 c allocated to said second rim portion and an edge oriented adjacent the first portion, is adapted to slightly exceed a cross sectional area allocated to the open portion 1 a.

Said recess or recesses 15 and 15′, respectively, are allocated said first rim portion 112 a and leave a portion 112 e of the rim portion 12 a adjacent its free edge 112 c, where this portion 112 e is adapted for an orientation under said depression 20 for a seal, via a narrow gap “S”, against an inner surface section of said first unit 1.

A selected distance “d1”, between the upper surface 112 b′ of the outer rim portion 112 b and a lower edge extent 112 c of the inner rim portion 112 a, can be adapted to be related, to a value of between 0.1 and 0.2, for instance about 0.15, to an outer diameter allocated for the outer rim portion 112 b.

The handle 3, allocated the first unit 1, and the handle 4 allocated the second unit 2, are given the same lengths and/or display an outwardly converging three-dimensional configuration and corresponding configurations adapted for one hand grip.

The handle allocated or provided for the first unit and the handle allocated or provided for the second unit are to display mutually tightly faceable planar, or substantially planar, and equal surface extents allocated the surface sections 3 c, 4 c with a gap “s”.

A length given to the recess, along an edge portion of the inner rim portion, and a length allocated the depression formed as a lip, along the upper open portion allocated the first unit are advantageously to be adapted to be equal.

Said handles, given the first unit and the second unit, are allocated grip-adapted portions formed to a small angle.

More specifically it is disclosed that the first 3 a and the second 3 b part portions of the first unit 1 display an outwardly directed converging shape, with a convergence of between (1-3):30, for instance about 1:20.

The first 4 a and second 4 b part portions of the second unit 2 display an outwardly directed converging form, with a corresponding convergence of between (1-3):30, for instance about 1:20.

FIG. 8 illustrates that the first part portion 3 a of the first unit 1 displays a subjacent reinforcement 3 a′.

The transition of the first unit 1 between its reinforcement 3 a′ and/or first part portion 3 a and its second part portion 3 b and the transition of the second unit 2 between its reinforcement 4 a′ and/or second part portion 4 a and its second part portion 4 b display a thickness ratio of between (2.5-1.5):1, for instance preferably 2:1.

This section line is illustrated as a line “L5”.

With a reference to the accompanying FIGS. 9 to 15 there are thus illustrated schematically and in detail the basic preconditions for the present invention and where the significative properties associated with the invention have been given concrete form, through the currently proposed embodiment described in greater detail hereinbelow.

The cooking vessel set “K” usable within the intimated kitchen environment, displays according to FIGS. 9 to 10, the utilisation of two separate, but mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units for a saucepan application, where:

-   -   a. a first unit 1, in the form of a saucepan or the like, is         adapted to be able to enclose a selected fluid, such as         liquid-adapted, volume “V”, ideally with more or less solid         components “B”,     -   b. a second unit 2, in the form of a lid or lid-adapted         arrangement 10, is cooperable with an upper open portion 1 a         allocated the first unit 1.

Said first unit 1 is allocated, in any event, one handle 3, with a handle-related first part portion 3 a, fixed to the outside of said first unit 1 and a second part portion 3 b, adapted as a grip-friendly and grip-adapted portion 3 b adapted for single-hand grip, laterally oriented said first unit 1 oriented.

Said second unit 2 is allocated, in any event, one handle 4, with a handle-related first part portion 4 a, fixed to the outside of said second unit 2 and a second part portion 4 b, adapted as a grip-friendly and grip-adapted portion adapted for single-hand grip, laterally oriented said second unit oriented.

The upper open portion 1 a of said first unit 1 is given a depression or the like, formed as a lip 20, in order thereby to make for facilitating a controlled passage of the liquid-adapted volume “V” enclosed in the first unit via its recess 15, on a rotation or tilting about an axis of rotation “k” of the first unit 1 and its upper open portion 1 a with associated applied second unit 2, via their coordinated handles 3, 4 from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position.

The second unit 2 is provided with a circumferential rim portion 12, with, in any event, one recess 15, allocated said rim portion within a defined part section thereof, said second unit 2, with its allocated rim portion 12, being rotatably related to said first unit 1 and its upper open portion 1 a or vice versa, to such a position that the handle 4 of the second unit 2 will be located in a coordinated position with the handle 3 of the first unit 1, while said recess 15 allocated the second unit 2 will assume a “registered” position with said depression 20 or the like.

According to the present invention, the rim portion 12, with its outer second rim portion 12 b, is to be provided with a peripheral extent “A1” for the upper surface portion 12 b″ allocated said rim portion 12 in relation to the surface extent “A2” of the second unit 2 falling within a ratio of 0.1 to 0.4.

It is further disclosed that said recess 15 allocated the second unit 2 is formed exclusively within said inner first part portion 12 a.

The first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are given each a corresponding circular cross section and with a dimensional adaptation with the result that the second unit 2 must be lifted straight up, for a lack of cooperation with and/or a clamping effect with the open portion 1 a of the first unit 1.

The handle 3, allocated the first unit 1, and the handle 4, allocated the second unit 2, are here given the same lengths “L” and/or corresponding and/or identical configurations.

The handle 3 allocated the first unit 1 and the handle 4 allocated the second unit 2 are in a selected setting position, according to FIG. 9, disposed tightly adjacent one another and in such instance form together a grip-adapted and grip-friendly 3, 4 cross section.

The cross section, length and/or configuration of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handle 4 as regards in any event the part portion 4 b, is to be dimensioned for its mechanical stresses, the cross section, length and/or configuration of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handle 3, as regards in any event the part portion 4 a and the part portion 4 b, are to be dimensioned for its mechanical stresses and the coordination of the grip-adapted and grip-friendly handles 3, 4 requires a dimensioning for the total mechanical load.

With a reference to the embodiment according to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a casserole application with two handles 31, 41, allocated the first unit 1, while two handles 32, 42, allocated the second unit 2, and all allocated grip-adapted portions 41 b, 42 b formed to a “U”.

More specifically it is disclosed that a first handle-related first part portion 31 a for a first handle 31 and a second handle-related first part portion 41 a for a second handle 41 are opposingly oriented to said first 1 and second unit 2, respectively.

The handles 31, 32 are illustrated in greater detail in perspective view in FIG. 15.

In FIG. 11 the rotation of the second unit 2 or the lid in relation to the first unit 1 or the casserole is not shown, but readily perceivable in a comparison with FIG. 10.

In accordance with the present invention, it is disclosed more specifically that said handle 3, allocated the first unit 1 and/or said handle 4, allocated the second unit 2, is formed as a wire section 30, 40 bent in one piece.

The wire section 30 is with its part portion 30 a, via two first outwardly bent part sections 30 b, 30 c, fixed to the outside of said first unit 1.

The handle 3, allocated the first unit 1, and/or the handle 4, allocated the second unit 2, is formed as two second part portions 30 d, 30 e; 40 d, 40 e of the bent wire section diverging towards the unit 1 and the unit 2.

The two diverging second part portions 30 d, 30 e are per se formed as a grip-adapted portion and oriented in a plane “P”.

The two diverging part portions 30 d, 30 d, for the first unit 1 and/or the two diverging part portions 40 d, 40 e, for the second unit 2, are disposed, within parts of the wire section facing from the units 1 and 2, to be mutually coordinated via a third part portion 30 f, 40 f, bent under and angle of 180°.

The third part portion 30 f of the handle 3 of the first unit 1 and the third part portion 40 f of the handle 4 of the second unit 2 are disposed, by a rotary movement of the second unit 2, to be brought to a coordinated position, and there be oriented close to one another or ideally spotwise abut against one another, which is illustrated in FIG. 12 between the third part portions 30 f and 40 f.

The diverging second part portions 30 d, 30 e, 40 d, 40 e are dimensioned in order by the influence of one hand force to be able resiliently to bend slightly towards one another.

The two part sections 30 b, 30 c of the first part portion 30 a, for the first handle 3, are angled at right angles downwards to said plane “P” for a fixed union with the unit 1.

The two part sections 40 b, 40 c of the first part portion 40 a, for the second handle 4, are angled so as to connect to said plane “P”, for a fixed union with the unit 2.

Each one of the two diverging second part portions 30 d, 30 e and 40 d, 40 e, respectively, are given a divergence angle “b” of less than 25° and greater than 2°, for instance about 3° or 15°, for a saucepan application or casserole application, respectively.

The handle 3 of the first unit 1 and the handle 4 of the second unit 2 are given a mutual divergence angle “c” of less than 8° and greater than 2°, for instance about 4°, for the saucepan application (FIG. 12) and less than 20° and greater than 10°, for instance about 15°, for the casserole application (FIG. 14).

The bent homogenous wire section 30 and 40, respectively, consists of a stainless steel or acid resistant metal wire, formed in circular cross section, with an allocated diameter of between 5-10 mm, for instance approx. 7 mm.

The handle 4 of the second part 2 is oriented to extend obliquely upwards from the plane “P1” allocated to the second part 2 within an angle “d” of over 160°, for instance about 170°-180°.

The first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are adapted in order in cooperation to form a saucepan with a lid, according to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The first unit 1 and the second unit 2 are adapted in order in cooperation to form a casserole with a lid, according to FIG. 11.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are intended more closely to illustrate a casserole application, where two of the handles 31, 32 are oriented opposingly or diametrically to two further handles 41, 42.

The handles 31, 32 in FIG. 15 are given the same reference numerals as the handles 3, 4, but with the addition of a prima symbol (30 b′, 30 c′).

The invention is naturally not restricted to the embodiment disclosed above by way of example, but may undergo modifications within the scope of the inventive concept illustrated in the appended Claims.

In particular it should be observed that every illustrated unit and/or circuit can be combined with every other illustrated unit and/or circuit within the scope in order to be able to attain the desired technical function. 

1. A cooking vessel comprising two separate, but mutually readily coordinable and readily separable, units, where: a. a first unit, in the form of a cooking vessel, allocated with an upper open portion where said first unit is provided with one handle adapted for one hand grip, laterally oriented to said first unit, b. a second unit, in the form of a lid, cooperable with the upper open portion allocated to said first unit, and provided with a peripheral rim portion cooperating with said upper open portion so that this second unit is rotatably located on said first unit, where said second unit is provided with one handle adapted for one hand grip, laterally oriented to said second unit, and where the upper open portion of said first unit is provided with a depression in order to facilitate a controlled passage of a contained fluid volume in the first unit when tilting the first unit from a horizontal or substantially horizontal position, and where said second unit is provided with a circumferential rim portion with one recess within a rim part of the rim portion and that said second unit being rotatably related to said first unit to and from such a position that the handle of the second unit will be located in a coordinated position with the handle of the first unit so that the recess allocated said second unit assumes a registered position with said depression allocated to the first unit, wherein the handles are given coordinated lengths which correspond to one another and in that the handle of said first unit is provided with a first surface section and the handle of said second unit is provided with a second surface section and in that said surface sections, in an aligned coordinated positions of the handles, assumes a closely cooperating position with each other in which position an applied gripping force is adapted to unite together said surface sections of the handles in order to together form a grip-friendly handle of the cooking vessel.
 2. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said first surface section and said second surface section are given an angle of between 5 and 15° directed upwards, in relation to a plane, connecting to the upper open portion.
 3. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said handles are provided with grip-adapted portions which display a thermal insulating section, such as a silicon section.
 4. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said recess allocated the second unit and said depression allocated said first unit, are doubled and directly opposing, or in any event substantially directly opposingly oriented.
 5. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein a rim portion, allocated the second unit extending a distance into said first unit and through said open portion, is provided for forming a narrow gap between said rim portion and an inner surface section of said first unit, located adjacent and within said open portion.
 6. A cooking vessel according to claim 5, wherein a cross sectional area, formed between a free edge allocated a second rim portion of said rim portion and an extent edge oriented adjacent the first rim portion, is adapted to slightly exceed the cross sectional surface allocated the open portion.
 7. A cooking vessel according to claim 6, wherein said recess is allocated said first rim portion and leave a part of the rim portion without configurational change adjacent its free edge, where this part is adapted for an orientation under said depression for a sealing, via a narrow gap, against an inner surface section of said first unit.
 8. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said recess, allocated the second unit, is formed exclusively within and surrounded by the inner part portion.
 9. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the first unit and the second unit are each allocated their corresponding circular cross sections.
 10. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein a centrally oriented planar portion, allocated the second unit, in the form of a glass portion, is fixed or clamped in between two rim portions.
 11. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said recess, within said second unit, and an inner portion, allocated said unit, is formed as a sieve structure.
 12. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the handle, allocated the first unit, and the handle, allocated the second unit, are allocated the same lengths and/or formed outwardly converging for configurations correspondingly adapted for one hand grip.
 13. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein a first handle-related first part portion, for a first handle, and a second handle-related first part portion, for a second handle, are provided with an opposing orientation in relation to said first and to said second unit, respectively.
 14. A cooking vessel according to claim 13, wherein the opposing orientation is selected to correspond to an orientation of a chord, allocated a circle line, selected with an arcuate dimension between 160° and 140°.
 15. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein the second unit is provided with a transparent upper portion and a rim portion surrounding the upper portion said rim portion being adapted in order to be readily coordinably and readily separably cooperative with an upper open portion of said first unit, wherein said rim portion is formed as two mutually coordinable, rim portions, preferably formed in cross section to a right, or in any event substantially right, angle adapted to form an inner rim portion and an outer rim portion, that said rim portions are coordinated and united with one another, and that counter-directed surface extents, of the inner rim portion and the outer rim portion, are mutually adapted in order to support the transparent upper portion.
 16. A cooking vessel according to claim 15, wherein the counter-directed surface extent of the inner rim portion is formed as a holder device for said transparent upper portion.
 17. A cooking vessel according to claim 15, wherein the transparent upper portion is formed from a toughened glass material and that one of the two rim portions is formed from a stainless steel material or the like.
 18. A cooking vessel according to claim 1, wherein said handle allocated the first unit and said handle allocated the second unit are formed as a wire sections bent in one piece, with a first part portion, via first outwardly bent part sections of the wire section, fixed to the outside for said first unit and said second unit.
 19. A cooking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the handle, allocated the first unit, and the handle, allocated the second unit is formed as two second part portions for the bent wire section, diverging towards the first and/or the second unit.
 20. A cooking vessel according to claim 19, wherein the two diverging second part portions are formed as a grip-adapted portion and oriented in a plane.
 21. A cooking vessel according to claim 20, wherein the parts of the wire section of the two diverging part portions, facing from the first unit and/or the second unit, are coordinated via a third part portion bent under 180°.
 22. A cooking vessel according to claim 21, wherein the third part portion of the handle of the first unit and the third part portion of the handle of the second unit are arranged, in a coordinated position, to be oriented close to one another or spotwise abut against one another.
 23. A cooking vessel according to claim 22, wherein the diverging second part portions are dimensioned in order, by the action of one hand force, to resiliently flex slightly towards one another.
 24. A cooking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the part sections of the first part portion, for the first unit, are angled at right angles to and directed from said plane.
 25. A cooking vessel set as claimed in claim 18, wherein the two diverging second part portions are given a divergence angle of less than 25° and greater than 2°.
 26. A cooking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the handle of the first unit and the handle of the second unit are given a mutual divergence angle of less than 8° and greater than 2°.
 27. A cooking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the bent wire section consists of a metal wire, formed with a circular cross section, with a diameter selected between 5-10 mm.
 28. A cooking vessel according to claim 18, wherein the first unit and the second unit are adapted in order, in a cooperation, to form a casserole, with two handles, and a lid arrangement, with two handles.
 29. A cooking vessel according to claim 19, wherein the parts of the wire section of the two diverging part portions, facing from the first unit and/or the second unit, are coordinated via a third part portion bent under 180°.
 30. A cooking vessel according to claim 20, wherein the part sections of the first part portion, for the first unit, are angled at right angles to and directed from said plane. 